The kids are going on a cruise

Many of you know I lovingly call my beads the kids.  They are headed on a Bead Cruise on March 21st with Heather Power's yearly bead cruise.  I am sending her my add today.  Cruise on over to my Etsy shop between now and March 21st and mentioned the word Cruise when you check out for a free 10 pack of micro screws and nuts for cold connection included with all orders.  Have a great day.  Cindy

Recycled Brighton Tin Cuff Bracelet and Earrings

     I just wanted to share a quick how to make a cute cuff bracelet and earrings out of an old tin.  I started with a Brighton tin that I had and first cut off the sides with a pair of tin snips so that I could use the flat part of the tin.  The tin was not very large but I was able to cut a nice 2 inch strip and some basic rectangles for a pair of earrings to match.
      For the cuff I used an aluminum cuff I had purchased some time back but a brass cuff would work also.  I aligned the tin to the cuff and punched holes with a metal punch to attach the tin using micro screws and nuts.  I then filed the extra length of the micro screw so that it was flush with the nut.  I added a few of my mini pottery flower beads for accents using the micro screws and a daisy spacer bead for a nice finished look.

      For the earrings I attached two jump rings and earring wires to the top of the tin and added a daisy spacer bead for detail.  I punched a hole at the bottom of the earrings and added a mini flower pottery bead and a daisy spacer bead and used cold connection with a micro screw and nut to secure on the back of the earring.  I then filed the screws flush with the nut for a nice finished effect.  The whole project took me about 20 minutes to complete and are a fun way to use a recycled tin.  I hope you enjoy the tutorial and make yourself something fun today.